Heading into the summer, Newcastle United’s chief figures will have drawn up a long list of top targets alongside Eddie Howe.

And with the exception of Anthony Elanga, we’ve failed to sign a single one of them, in what has been a frustrating few weeks for all involved, including the fans.

Having to compete with the spending power (on fees and wages) of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea was never going to be easy, but few could have imagined this summer panning out like this, with Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and Hugo Ekitike all joining one of the above after serious Newcastle interest.

Sadly, it seems another ‘big six’ side could be about to land another of our top targets, with Man City handed a fresh boost in their bid to land James Trafford.

City get green light from Trafford

According to Fabrizio Romano, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has given the green light to a potential move to Man City.

Writing on X, Romano comments that the two clubs will still need to come to an agreement, but the Cityzens now stand as favourites to sign the future England No.1.

He adds that Man City are in negotiations with Burnley over reducing the fee below their £40m buy-back clause with a goalkeeper departure also required to sanction their move for Trafford.

With Ederson heavily linked with Galatasaray, Trafford may hop to waltz straight into the starting XI under Pep Guardiola, whilst Newcastle had plans for the 22-year-old to compete with Nick Pope on Tyneside.

Reports on Tyneside suggest Newcastle are ready to walk away after refusing to meet Burnley’s £40m asking price, handing City time to pursue a deal they have been considering all summer, it seems.

🚨🔵 More on James Trafford and Man City exclusive story.

Understand Trafford has accepted to return to Man City if the two clubs will reach an agreement, he’s keen on the move.#MCFC in talks with Burnley to reduce £40m buy back clause + deal still depends on GK exit. pic.twitter.com/CtiWX0kF78

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2025

‘Big Six’ side beating us to it again?

Whether it’s offering increased wage or the opportunity to play for a ‘bigger name’, our fans are starting to grow concerned over just how easy it’s becoming for other clubs to beat us to our targets.

And with the threat of PSR always looming, and a lack of huge player sales, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to compete and make the transformative signings our league position warrants.

So is it time we go back our transfer strategy of circa 2021-22? Poaching talent from the continent on the quiet and trusting in our talent ID?

It brought us the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali, leaving some to question why we have focused on so many tricky domestic deals so far.